Portable exercise, balance and flexibility device and method

ABSTRACT

A portable, free standing, exercise device for exercise, core strength, balance, and coordination training as well as general cardio vascular fitness and physical therapy. The exercise device includes a substantially rigid platform for supporting a user. Two spaced apart exercise arms extend upwards and away from the platform to respective rotatable grip assemblies. The exercise arms are attached to the platform through spring members that allow generally unrestrictive multi-axis movement relative to the platform and also maintain the exercise arms in a generally vertical position when not in use. The platform is designed to be used on any generally flat surface or alternatively can be placed on an unstable base to allow for a great challenge to the muscles and systems of balance.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/017,777, entitled “My invention is a wobblebalance board that has attached handles that pivot in all ranges ofmotion to provide stability for the user and act as a means of allowingthe upper body to be used in the balance and stabilization process.”,filed on Dec. 30, 2007 by Michael Dwayne Berry, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety into this disclosure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise devices and more particularlyto portable multiple use exercise and training devices.

BACKGROUND

It has long been recognized that regular exercise and stretchingimproves health and quality of life. Some of the better known benefitsmay include reduced stress, improved performance, prevention of injury,reduced pain, increased strength and endurance, and restoration offunction are clinically accepted benefits.

Historically, health and physical fitness professionals first:emphasized strength training primarily using some form of dumbbelltraining exercises or weight machines. It wasn't long beforecardiovascular exercise grew in popularity with running, aerobicdancing, treadmills, stationary bikes, rowing machines, step machinesand more recently elliptical trainers. While generally effective atfacilitating the development of cardiovascular endurance by increasingthe heart rate, lung capacity, etc., such devices are generally linearin nature and cause the user thereof to engage in a single repetitiousactivity. This can lead to a monotonous workout that can cause muscleimbalance and reduced motion and function. Moreover, none of theseclasses of cardiovascular exercise equipment place emphasis on circularmotions of the limbs or torso let alone develop the balance andcoordination that typically replicate more natural movements.

There has been a growing trend towards a gentler style of non impactexercise as our population ages that also train flexibility and balance.Examples of such exercises and training include yoga, tai chi, Pilatesand ballet barre training.

A significant problem for many people who would like to exerciseregularly is finding adequate time to do so. The demands of work andfamily life often leave little time for driving to the gym andexercising. Moreover, many people simply do not have reasonable accessto a gym or sufficient exercise equipment to facilitate adequateexercise.

Exercising at home is rapidly growing in popularity. Most exercisedevices designed for home use, however, are limited in exercise scopeand capability. Moreover, they are often expensive, require preciousfloor space, are difficult to store and limited in versatility.

Although numerous portable devices exist for exercising, includingtraining, stretching, balance and therapy, a continued need exists foran exercise device having a broad spectrum of exercise applications,which is simple and safe to use, space efficient, relativelyinexpensive, durable, portable and more accessible to a wider range orindividuals with a capability to exercise.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a portable free standing, exercisedevice for exercise, core strength, balance, and coordination training,for pleasure as well as for general cardio vascular fitness and physicaltherapy use. The exercise device includes a generally rigid platformhaving an upper surface adapted to support a user and a lower surfacefor placement on a floor, flat surface or base member. A pair of spacedapart, elongated exercise supporting arms extend outwardly and away fromthe upper surface of the platform. Each elongated supporting arm extendsfrom a base end to a grip assembly at the opposing end away from theupper surface of the platform.

A multi-axis pivot assembly connects the base end of each exercise armto the platform and supports the exercise arm in an initial positionextending generally vertically away from the upper surface of theplatform. The pivot allows for multi-axis movement of the exercise armrelative to the initial position and may provide a resistive force tomovement of the exercise arm relative to the initial position. The pivotassembly is adapted to return the exercise arm to the initial positionwhen not used such that the user can exercise using the weight of thebody as resistance while using the elongated supporting arms for balanceand support.

The grip assemblies are adapted to be griped by a user. Each gripassembly is rotatable connected to the respective exercise arm so a usercan move the exercise arm through the grip without significant wristmotion.

The present invention also includes a method of exercising comprisingthe steps of:

-   (1) Providing a portable exercise device comprising a substantially    rigid platform having an upper surface adapted to support a user and    a lower surface adapted for use on a supporting surface. The device    further comprises a pair of spaced apart elongated exercise    supporting arms, each extending from a base end to a rotatable grip    assembly at the opposing end. A multi-axis pivot assembly couples    the base end of each exercise supporting arm to the platform and    further supports the exercise arm in an initial position extending    outwardly from the upper surface of the platform while allowing    multi-axis movement of the exercise arm relative to the initial    position. Each pivot assembly allows generally free planar movement    of the grip assemblies relative to the surface of the platform and    sufficient support to return the exercise supporting arm to the    initial position when not in use; (2) Placing the lower surface on a    supporting surface; (3) Placing at least a portion of a user body    weight on at least one of the exercise arms such that a downward    pressure is applied to the exercise arms; and (4) Using at least one    of the exercise arms for support while moving the body through    exercises and using at least the weight of the body for resistance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and notby way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings inwhich like references indicate similar elements. It should be noted thatdifferent references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure arenot necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references mean atleast one.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded assembly view of an embodiment the presentinvention.

FIG. 3A shows a partial disassembled view of an embodiment of thepresent invention with the upper support arms removed.

FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention with one exercise support arm partially disassembled.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective bottom view of an embodiment of a supportingwobble base of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows details of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the present invention in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a portable exercise device that isinexpensive to manufacture, versatile in all aspects including set upand storage and requires very little room to operate. For purposes ofthis disclosure, the term “exercise” and exercising” shall be understoodto be as broad as possible and include all aspects of exercise,stretching and training, including but not limited to: strength exerciseand training, stretching, balance exercise, cardiovascular exercise,physical therapy, general therapy, proprioception and coordinationexercise as well as specific forms of such exercise such as yoga, TaiChi, Pilates, ballet, dance, and related exercises and training.

For specific exercises such as yoga or Tai Chi, many people find thepositions physically and sometimes even mentally difficult to achieve.The present invention acts like “training wheels” by providingadditional support and stability for the user and ultimately providingthe strength and confidence necessary for such positions. Providingsupport similar to a fixed ballet barre, the present invention is notattached to a wall and requires no horizontal support. Rather thepresent invention provides the user the option of movement of the limbsin an abundant variety of planes movement allowing for a largerengagement of muscles used. This creates a greater challenge to thenervous system that controls balance and a greater challenge to themuscles of stability. This device can be used on a flat stable surfacesuch as the ground or it can be placed on an unstable surface such as ateeter board, inflatable disc, wobble board or foam device to challengethe user in a variety of ways to further enhance balance, coordinationand core strength abilities.

The present invention provides a single portable device capable ofexercising the abdomen, lower and upper limbs, back, including strength,balance, flexibility and coordination. It has a stationary base supportwith two pivoting handles that provide stability for the user whileengaging the muscles of the upper torso and limbs. The shoulders, armsand back benefit as the upper limbs serve to assist the lower limbs toperform the various exercise movements. This is of great value in thecase of a user having an injury or weakness to the lower limbs. Theupper limbs will act as “the spotter”, in the case of an upper limbinjury or weakness the lower limbs can assist in the desired movementuntil the strength is regained much like using a cane to get up from aseated position.

The present exercise device incorporates exercises that use theindividual's bodyweight primarily in the upright position because: thereis less chance for injury, it creates real world scenarios of movementdesigned to enhance functional fitness and integrates the muscle systemsthat increase coordination, balance, cardiovascular fitness and power.The advantages of a device that can train in the upright position arewell known. In addition to exercising using one's own body weight,additional weight. As a basic example, ankle or wrist weights can beused.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the present invention provides an portableexercise device 100 having a platform base 15 adapted to support atleast a portion of a user's weight. In a preferred embodiment, theplatform 15 provides a generally flat upper surface that the user canstep onto. A non slip surface 19 may be provided. The non slip surface19 may cover all or a portion of the upper surface but preferablyprevents the user from slipping or losing footing during use. The nonslip surface 19 may be a grip tape, including strips of a grip tape suchas that provided by 3M. Alternatively, any non slip surface may be used.

In the preferred embodiment, a pair of spaced apart elongated tubularsupport arms 102 extend upwardly and away from the platform 15. Eachexercise support arm 102 includes a grip assembly or handle 1 at itsdistal end. A multi-axis pivot assembly 13 couples each exercise supportarm 102 to the upper surface of the platform 15. Each pivot assembly 13allows generally free planar movement of the grip assemblies relative tothe upper flat surface of the platform 15 while providing support andbalance to a user. The pivot assembly is also adapted to have sufficientreturn force to return the attached exercise supporting arm 102 to aninitial generally position when not in use such that the user canexercise through body weight resistance alone while using the exercisesupporting arms for balance and support and the supporting arms 102return to the initial position when not in use.

FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B show a preferred embodiment of the present inventionin various stages of assembly-disassembly. Because the invention 100 maybe adapted for portability, it is advantageously designed for userassembly and disassembly.

The exercise device 100 includes the platform base 15 having an uppersurface. Preferably the platform 15 is substantially rigid and adaptedfor supporting the user (see FIG. 7). The upper surface may have a nonslip surface 19, 20 and 21 to prevent user slippage and be integral tothe platform 15 or may simply include a non slip surface such as griptape, Emory cloth, a rubber or other non slip mat or the like.

The underside of the platform 15 is adapted for contact with a supportbase, which may include most any relatively flat surface such as theground, flooring, carpet or any other surface capable of supporting theunderside of the platform. To prevent slippage or movement relative tothe supporting surface, the underside of the platform may be providedwith a non slip surface 18 such as a rubber mat or strips. Such non slipsurface 18 may be adapted to prevent scratches or damage to thesupporting surface. Alternatively, the support base may be integral aspart of, or more permanently attached to, the platform 15.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the supporting base may be a wobble board thatprovides a generally unstable or unbalanced support for the platform 15.An example of such wobble board is currently provided Pro Fit. Thewobble type supporting base may also include an off center pivot pointor even a user adjustable pivot or multiple pivots. Alternatively, thesupporting base may be an inflatable pillow support such as a Dyna Diskor even a teeter type board commonly used in physical therapy.

Referring back to FIGS. 2, 3A and 3B, the exercise device 102 includesthe platform 15 having an upper surface that is adapted to support auser. The platform 15 is preferably made from a generally rigid materialsuch as from a wood material, including a particle board, plywood, orsolid wood. The platform 15 may also be made from other material such asa composite, plastic or even carbon fiber material or combinations ofmaterials

An elongated exercise supporting arm 102 extends from a base endadjacent tie in 12 to a grip assembly 1 that is attached at the opposingend. A multi-axis pivot assembly 13 connects the base end of theexercise supporting arm 102 to the platform 15 and is adapted tomaintain the supporting arm in an initial position extending outwardlyfrom the upper surface of the platform while allowing multi-axismovement of the supporting arm relative to the initial position.

The multi axis pivot assembly 13 may include a spring device 13, such asthe compression coil spring illustrated or other spring device thatprovides generally free movement of the support arms 102 while stillproviding sufficient force to return the support arms back the initialposition such as the vertical position. The pivot assembly 13 may alsoinclude tie in 12 for removable or fixed connection to the lower portion11 of support arm 102. The tie in 12 may be coupled to the support arm1I1 through pin or rivet 8 or any other means. A lower tie in 14provides connection to the platform 15 and may be bolted using throughbolt 16 or any other known attachment means as is commonly used. The tieins 12 and 14 may provide a screw in type coupling to the coil spring 13to allow for ease of assembly and disassembly. The pivot assembly 13 mayalso comprise a flexible material such as a rubber tube, mount or otherflexible or elastic piece. In an alternative embodiment, the elongatedsupport arms 102 are flexible along at least a portion of theirelongated length and provide the necessary movement and support. Suchembodiment may include support arms 102 made from fiberglass, wire,graphite, plastic, carbon fiber, or other flexible spring like material.Such support arms 102 may be provided with differing restive force fordifferent user capabilities and exercises.

The elongate support arms 102 may comprise a single member or multiplemembers such as a lower member 11 and upper member 9 coupled togetherwith clip 10. Alternatively the support arm may be adjustable fordifferent user heights or exercises. The support arms 102 may even betelescopic.

In an alternative embodiment, the pivot assembly 13 may be adapted toprovide a noticeable resistive force to any movement of the exercisesupporting arm 102 relative to the initial position so as to provideexercise during support arm movement in addition to the benefits of thedevice 100 without such resistive force.

The grip assembly 1 is preferably rotatably mounted to the upper supportarm 9 and rotatable relative to an elongated axis along the exercisesupport arm. A bushing 4 or bushings 3 and 4 provide a moveable surfacefor such rotation. The grip assembly may be a spherical grip adapted topalm and hand gripping or any other handle or grip device as commonlyused in exercise devices. In one embodiment, the grip assembly 1 uses aD shaped handle.

The exercise device may only one support arm 102 but the presentlypreferred embodiment includes a second exercise supporting arm and pivotassembly spaced apart from the first exercise arm. The resistive forceprovided by each pivot assembly 13 is limited so as to generally onlyprovide sufficient force to return the respective exercise supportingarm to its initial position while not being used and to not provide anymaterial resistance to movement of the support arms during use.

In one embodiment, the exercise device 100 includes an elastic bandingmember (not shown) adapted to couple the spaced apart exercise arms 102together so resistance is created when moving one exercise arm relativeto the other one. Differing resistive bands may be used to creatediffering resistive forces.

The portable, collapsible exercise device 100 is adapted to train,balance, flexibility, core strength, cardio vascular fitness andcoordination; that can be easily carried in a shoulder bag comprising: apair of freely moving support handles 102 attached to round platformmade of a substantially inflexible material, each handle having aproximal end and a distal end the proximal end of each support handle isattached to the platform by means of a compression spring 13 that allowsfor movement in a 360 degree range of motion and firmly connects saidhandle to the platform by means of a simple, no tools needed screw onlug attachment at the support arms or handles' distal ends that screw onattached bolt; are grip knobs that freely rotate 360 degrees for comfortand ease of use between the proximal and distal ends of the handlesthere is a quick release push button joint 10 to allow for easycollapsibility and portability. The platform 15 has two surfaces; bothsurfaces have a non skid friction design to prevent the foot or platformfrom slipping while performing the exercise moves.

The platform may be made from made of substantially inflexible material,such as a rigid disc of about a twenty inch diameter that is adapted tolay flat on a floor or on an unstable base such as a teeter board,inflatable disc, wobble board, vibration device, foam base or otherdevice used to create an unstable base for supporting the weight of auser.

The pair of support arms or handles 102 are adapted to move in a 360 arcof motion to allow the user to support and stabilize their body weightso they can perform movements that challenge balance, core strength,upper and lower limb strength and flexibility.

The support arms 102 may be collapsible with a push button joint (21) toallow for easy storage and portability.

The free standing exercise device (5) may have support handles 102 thatare attachable to platform 15 without tools by means of a fixed bolt 16at the platform base that screws to a threaded plug 14 at the base ofthe pivot assembly 13.

The distal ends of the support arms 102 have grip knobs 1 that are ableto rotate freely for comfort and ease of use.

The platform 15 has a non skid surface on both upper and lower surfacesto prevent the feet or platform from slipping during exercise movements.

The support handles 102 are attached to the platform by pivot assemblieswhich may include compression springs 13 such as those provided byServalite (no. 54) that allow the arms 102 to move freely in alldirections, yet return the arms to the upright position when released.This freedom of movement permits the user to position themselves inpostures that might otherwise be difficult or impossible to maintainwhile performing the exercise moves.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention 200 is shown. FIG. 7 shows details of the multi-axis pivotassembly 213, including the assembly of the pivot assembly to theplatform 215 and each exercise support arm 202.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a user 10 is shown using an embodiment of thepresent exercise device 100. As shown, the user stands upon the uppersurface of the platform 15 such that at least one foot is placed on theplatform depending on the desired movement or exercise. In otherexercises, both feet may be placed on the platform 15 or none at all.

As the user 110 shifts his or her weight they grip the support handlesto provide stability and engage the muscles of the upper torso andlimbs. The user performs movements that may involve most any form ofsquatting, twisting, lunging, pushing kicking, flexing, kicking,punching, thrusting, pulling and/or bending as well as most anycombination of such movements or most any other movement. In theapplication illustrated, the movements are primarily performed whilestanding on one leg. This is made possible by the support being providedby the moveable support arms 102. As a result, the user is safelychallenged and trains balance, coordination, flexibility, power andstrength in one application.

If used with an unstable support base such as wobble base 106 of FIG. 5,the user must also balance the platform 15 relative to the supportingground as well as the balance necessary to accomplish the desiredexercises with the platform on a level and flat support ground. By usingdifferent support bases, the user can continually be challenged withdiffering balance exercises

Various exercises may also include alternating feet on the platform 15,not using any feet on the platform or exercising with both feet on theplatform. Similarly, an alternative embodiment of the present inventioncontemplates a single exercise support arm 102 and the user mayalternative arms during use or not use the support arm at all.

The present invention 100 further provides a method of doing push up andrelated type exercises in an upright position. The user 110 places theirhands comfortably on the rotating knobs handles 1. Preferably, theplatform 15 or supporting base is placed against a wall or other supportto prevent sliding. The user then leans into the exercise support arms102 and pushes downwardly, using the arms to stabilize and balance theuser and device as needed and thereby making it easier to perform suchpush up for beginners or those in physical or other therapy. The supportarms 102 can be moved in a variety of positions while doing the push uptype exercises to target different areas of the upper body.

The present invention further provides means for adapting the workoutfrom a beginner routine to an advanced routine by simply changing thedegree of motions used. For example the degree the user dips their bodyor raises a limb. Although various adjustable components arecontemplated such as a restrictive force pivot assembly and restrictivemotion bands, no adjustment to the exercise device is required. Thepresent invention is advantageously adapted for use in a group exerciseor class setting much like a step class or aerobic dance class. Thesmall size of the device makes it easy to store multiple units at thefacility or gives the user the option of bringing their own device tothe class. Beginners can workout alongside advanced users performingmoves to the same commands and if desired, to the same music and at thesame time. This advantageously eliminates the need and expense for anexercise facility to offer classes to different levels of fitness oreven offer the required equipment which may be user provided.

The present invention further provides a safe and improved core exercisedevice that advantageously allows a larger population access to coretraining. Because most core training is currently performed on thefloor, using an exercise ball, or expensive machines found only in gyms,many people cannot perform such exercises. For example, many people areunable to lie on the floor due to excessive weight, weakness or injury.The elderly and obese are typically precluded from most core training.This present invention, however, many advantageously be used by theobese, elderly and even those having limited mobility.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has beenpresented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsor methods disclosed. Persons skilled in the relevant art can appreciatethat many modifications and variations are possible in light of theabove teaching.

1. An exercise device comprising: A platform having an upper surfaceadapted to support a user; A plurality of spaced apart elongatedexercise supporting arms flexibly connected to the platform at a baseend and extending outwardly from the platform to a grip assembly at theopposing end, each exercise supporting arm adapted for supporting atleast a portion of the weight of the user; Wherein the user can exerciseusing at least a portion of the body weight for resistance while usingat least one exercise supporting arm for support.
 2. The exercise deviceof claim 1 wherein each grip assembly is rotatably coupled to theexercise arm such that a user can move the exercise supporting armthrough the grip assembly without significant wrist action.
 3. Theexercise device of claim 1 wherein the platform is adapted to mount ontop of a base member.
 4. The exercise device of claim 3 wherein the basemember provides an unstable support for the platform.
 5. The exercisedevice of claim 1 wherein each exercise arm comprises a spring adaptedto provide a force that resists movement relative to the initialposition and that returns the exercise arm to the initial position. 6.The exercise device of claim 5 wherein the exercise arm comprises aflexible material.
 7. An exercise device comprising: A platform havingan upper surface adapted to support a user; An elongated exercisesupporting arm extending from a base end to a grip assembly at theopposing end; and A multi-axis pivot assembly connecting the base end ofthe exercise supporting arm to the platform and supporting the exercisesupporting arm in an initial position extending outwardly from the uppersurface of the platform while allowing multi-axis movement of theexercise supporting arm relative to the initial position; and Whereinthe pivot assembly provides a resistive force to any movement of theexercise supporting arm relative to the initial position and thatreturns the exercise arm to the initial position such that the user canexercise using the exercise supporting arm for support.
 8. The exercisedevice of claim 7 wherein the grip assembly is rotatable relative to anelongated axis along the exercise arm.
 9. The exercise device of claim 8further comprising: A second exercise supporting arm and pivot assemblyspaced apart from the first exercise arm and pivot assembly and adaptedto be generally parallel to the first exercise supporting arm when inthe initial position.
 10. The exercise device of claim 9 wherein theresistive force provided by each pivot assembly is limited so as togenerally only provide sufficient force to return the respectiveexercise supporting arm to its initial position while not being used.11. The exercise device of claim 10 wherein the platform comprises awood based material.
 12. The exercise device of claim 10 wherein theplatform comprises a substantially rigid composite material.
 13. Theexercise device of claim 10 wherein the pivot assembly comprises anelastic member.
 14. The exercise device of claim 10 wherein the pivotassembly comprises a coil spring.
 15. The exercise device of claim 10further comprising an elastic member adapted to couple the spaced apartexercise arms together wherein resistance is created when moving oneexercise arm relative to the other exercise arm.
 16. The exercise deviceof claim 10 wherein the platform has a lower surface adapted for contactwith a base member.
 17. The exercise device of claim 16 wherein the basemember is adapted to provide an unstable support for the platform. 18.The exercise device of claim 17 wherein the upper surface and lowersurfaces of the platform further comprise non slip surfaces.
 19. Aportable exercise device comprising: A substantially rigid platformhaving an upper surface adapted to support a user and a lower surfaceadapted for placement on a supporting surface; A plurality of spacedapart elongated exercise supporting arms, each extending from a base endto a rotatable grip assembly at the opposing end; and A plurality ofmulti-axis pivot assemblies, each pivot assembly coupling the base endof an exercise supporting arm to the platform and supporting theexercise arm in an initial position extending outwardly from the uppersurface of the platform while allowing multi-axis movement of theexercise arm relative to the initial position; and Wherein each pivotassembly allows generally free planar movement of the grip assembliesrelative to the surface of the platform and sufficient support to returnthe exercise supporting arm to the initial position when not in use suchthat the user can exercise through body weight resistance while usingthe exercise supporting arms for balance and support.
 20. A method ofexercising using an exercise device comprising the steps of: (1)Providing a portable exercise device comprising: A substantially rigidplatform having an upper surface adapted to support a user and a lowersurface adapted for use on a supporting surface; A plurality of spacedapart elongated exercise supporting arms, each extending from a base endto a rotatable grip assembly at the opposing end; and A plurality ofmulti-axis pivot assemblies, each pivot assembly coupling the base endof an exercise supporting arm to the platform and supporting theexercise arm in an initial position extending outwardly from the uppersurface of the platform while allowing multi-axis movement of theexercise arm relative to the initial position; and Wherein each pivotassembly allows generally free planar movement of the grip assembliesrelative to the surface of the platform and sufficient support to returnthe exercise supporting arm to the initial position when not in use; (2)Placing the lower surface on a supporting surface; (3) Placing at leasta portion of a user body weight on at least one of the exercise armssuch that a downward pressure is applied to the exercise arms; and (4)Using at least one of the exercise arms for support while moving thebody through exercises and using at least the weight of the body forresistance.